"Nothing ever happens but you must dream it first...
Dreams are for things that are possible but just haven't happened yet."
— Crane Man, A Single Shard
Dear Friend,
As we delight in the exceptional shape-shifting performances of Richard
III, it's worth pausing to reflect on the similarly distinct
transformations People's Light has and will navigate: from Regency England in Sense and Sensibility into our
post-apocalyptic battleground of Richard III and very soon, we step from
here and now into an imagined 12th Century Korea in a powerful adaptation of
Linda Sue Park's A Single Shard. Here's a glimpse
behind-the-scenes of Shard, which opens later this month.
All best,
Marcie Bramucci
Director of Community Investment
Inside A Single Shard
Beautiful transformations and realized dreams feature prominently in our exploration of Linda Sue Park's award-winning story. We follow our underdog hero, Tree-Ear, on a journey of self-discovery and wonder.
We welcome an exciting ensemble of artists — including first-time and returning guests who join company member Graham Smith — to create this enchanting world.
Aaron Bell as Apprentice 1/Ensemble
Taysha Canales as Apprentice 2/Yee/Ensemble
Kevin R. Free as Emissary Kim/Ensemble
Brian Lee Huynh as Tree-Ear
Jungwoong Kim as Deer/Fox/Ensemble
Jeanne Sakata as Min's Wife/Ensemble
Thom Sesma as Master Potter Min
Graham Smith as Crane Man
Greg Watanabe as Master Potter Kang/Ensemble
Guest director Seema Sueko visits from California, where she is the Associate Artistic Director at the Pasadena Playhouse. Kate McSorley Fossner is our Production Stage Manager and Gina Pisasale our Dramaturg for this production.
(L) Movement workshop led by Jungwoong Kim; (R) Local potter Bob Deane teaches Greg Watanabe to throw a pot.
Surrounding A Single Shard
Below are programs and services offered to "surround," increase access to, and deepen engagement with A Single Shard. Specific support from PNC Arts Alive has made expanded 'Wide Welcome' programming possible for this production.
Talkbacks are facilitated post-performance conversations with the cast. After every show! Free with performance ticket. More info...
Gina Pisasale
Thom Sesma
Scoop on Wednesday, a lively pre-show discussion in which Gina Pisasale serves up the inside scoop and insightful context around the world of the play, complemented with light fare by The Farmhouse Bistro. Featured artist in conversation: Thom Sesma (playing Master Potter Min). Dates: 5/11 & 5/18 @6pm. Tickets $15 per person. Call 610.644.3500 to reserve.
Open caption performances
feature an LED screen near the stage that displays the dialogue in
real-time, simultaneous with live speech and action in order to increase
access for individuals with hearing impairment, and for English
language learners. Dates: 5/4 (2pm), 5/6 (8pm), 5/7 (2pm). Ticketed
performance. More info...
Relaxed Performance on 5/22 (2pm): a specially adjusted sensory-friendly show designed to be welcoming, judgement-free, and inclusive. More info...
SEPTA Saturdays! The Route 204 bus from the Paoli train station to our campus now serves patrons for Saturday 2pm matinees. Bus arrives on campus at 1:48pm and departs at 5:05pm. Septa.org for details.
PNC ARTS ALIVE WIDE WELCOME ACTIVITIES
All events are FREE but reservations are required, as space is limited. Visit peopleslight.org/surroundshard or call the Box Office at 610.644.3500.
Meet Linda Sue Park!
Thursday, May 5th | 6:30-7:15pm (+ a post-show discussion!)
Saturday, May 7th | 1-1:45pm
Linda Sue Park, Newbery Award-winning author of A Single Shard, will be available for pre-show book signing. Click here to reserve...
Clay Modeling
Saturday, May 7th | 1-1:45pm
Sunday, May 22nd | 1-1:45pm & 6-6:45pm
Create your own spirit animal figurine out of air-dry clay with People's Light artists. Click here to reserve...
Movement Workshop
Sunday, May 22nd | 1-1:20pm
Explore the physical vocabulary of the production, including influences of various martial art forms and movement meditation, in a participatory pre-show demonstration led by choreographer/performer Jungwoong Kim. Click here to reserve...
Wheel-throwing Clay Demonstration
Sunday, May 22nd | 4-7pm
Wheel throwing clay demonstration with local artist and potter Bob Deane. Click here to reserve...
Around Town & Beyond
with company artists
Leonard C. Haas pulls out all the stops in Neil Simon's Rumors, a Farce at Bristol Riverside Theatre through 4/17.
After closing out The Nether at InterAct Theatre (runs through 4/17),
Greg Wood
embarks on Bruce Graham's White Guy on a Bus at Passage Theatre 5/5-22.
Gina Pisasale ventures cross-country as guest dramaturg for Oregon Shakespeare Festival's anticipated production of The Winter's Tale, set in dynastic China and New World America, told from an Asian and Asian-American perspective.
Congratulations to
Marcia Saunders, whose production (director) of Steel Magnolias at Candlelight Theatre in DE was celebrated as Best Comedy of 2015 from Holly Quinn's "Holly's List" via Delaware Arts Info.
Tom Teti's short story "The Last Confession" will be published in the collection Rittenhouse Writers in May. Click here for details.
Up Next
at People's Light
Full cast just announced for the world premiere of Zak Berkman's provocative political drama, The Harassment of Iris Malloy, which takes the Steinbright Stage this June. People's Light welcomes Scott Bryce to join company members Teri Lamm, Pete Pryor, and Julianna Zinkel in this suspenseful and sexy new play. Lisa Rothe (Dear Elizabeth)
returns to direct
and Gina Pisasale serves as dramaturg.
On Stage Now
Our "stunning" production of Richard III runs through 4/24 — and is not to be missed!
"Daring, astounding, a joy to watch."
THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER
"Pete Pryor is splendid in the role."
BROAD STREET REVIEW
More reviews here!
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